Clemson WR Sammy Watkins ruled out for Boston College game with 'abdominal virus'

By Chip Patterson | College Football/Basketball Writer

September 27, 2012 6:25 PM ET

Sammy Watkins will miss his third game of 2012 with an abdominal virus. (US Presswire)

For the third time in five games, the Clemson offense will be without ACC Preseason Player of the Year Sammy Watkins.

The school announced on Thursday that Watkins has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Boston College, and the star wide receiver will not even make the trip to Chestnut Hill with the team. Unfortunately for the Tigers, he was one of several players that will not be able to particpate due to health concerns.

"Sammy has been practicing, but on Tuesday and Wednesday took himself out late in the practice because he was not feeling well, coach Dabo Swinney said in an official statement. "Today he was worse and after going to the doctor it was determined that he needed to stay here this weekend.

"With Sammy and Martavis out of the lineup we will bring Germone Hopper (freshman wide receiver who has not played this year) with us on the trip. We will only use him in case of an emergency. It is still our intention to redshirt him."

Watkins was suspended for the first two games of the season as a result of a drug-related arrest in May. The sophomore was pulled over during a traffic stop and found with a small amount of marijuana and two unprescribed pills. He received two misdemeanors, and took part in a intervention program in addition to the suspension.

Clemson's offense has performed well without Watkins in 2012. In fact, the Tigers put up more total offensive yards in the wins without him (528 yards against Auburn and 526 against Ball State) than they have in the two games since his return to the starting lineup. Junior De'Andre "Nuke" Hopkins has been the star so far this season, lighting up opposing defenses for 407 yards and five touchdowns on 31 catches. With Watkins back on the sideline and wide receiver Martavis Bryant out ; it will mean more work for Nuke and running back Andre Ellington.

For a complete breakdown on Clemson - Boston College, check out the game preview from CBSSports.com ACC Rapid Reporter Sean Bielawski.

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